HARTINGTON — The Local Knighs of Columbus Chapter paid tribute to 45 long-time members here Sunday.

The event, which included a meal and social hour, was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall to honor members who have been part of the Knights for 40 years or more.

Each member who joins the Knights, does so for a different reason, whether it be because their father was a strong believer in the group or they want to be part of a fellowship of people who work for the betterment of society.

“I enjoy being part of a brotherhood,” said Joe Schulte of Hartington, who was one of the 45 men being honored at the dinner. Schulte, a fourth-degree Knight, joined the fraternity 62 years ago.

Roger Schwartz, Hartington, has been a Knight for 44 years. He said he thinks the fraternity does a lot of good for the community.

As part of the Knights, he has helped with numerous potlucks and breakfasts, including some of the Right to Life breakfasts.

Schwartz said he especially likes how the Knights work with other church denominations, adding that it was beneficial for everyone involved. And, Schwartz said with the way the world is today, he would like to see more men become Knights.

“With the shape we are in, I think more people should become a part of this organization and ones in other churches, too,” Schwartz said.

Chuck Feilmeier, Hartington, has been a Knight for 52 years. Feilmeier said he became a Knight because his father was in the Knights and was a strong supporter of the group.

“He was a strong believer in the Knights,” Feilmeier said. “That is where I got my enthusiasm for it.”

Something else Feilmeier likes about the group is being around people and sometimes sticking around after the meeting to play cards.

Fr. Michael J. McGivney started the Knights of Columbus in 1882 as a fraternal benefit society, according to their website. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

All the fraternity’s good works are informed by four core principes: charity, fraternity, unity and patriotism, according to their website.

Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbor by conducting food drives and donating it to local soup kitchens and food pantries.

The Knights show their patriotism by devoting themselves to God and their country and standing up for both. Whether it is public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations.